Phillip French

VP of Engineering for the West Territory, Verizon Wireless

Phillip  French

Speaker Bio

Phillip is a transformational executive with an impressive history of surpassing ambitious business goals and delivering notable results. A dynamic professional with extensive experience building mutually beneficial cross-functional partnerships, leading highly effective teams, and delivering innovative strategies to successfully grow talent, drive employee engagement, and promote accountability and awareness around diversity, equity and inclusion.


 


Phillip has 30 years of leadership experience with a consistent record of positioning organizations for success in the planning and implementation of Network strategies, infrastructure, and enhancements. He successfully launched one of the first 5G networks in the world and built one of the most advanced fiber optic network. Across his career, he has led a wide range of business units spanning from Software Development, Outside Plant, Operations, RF Design and System Performance to Engineering. Phillip has a proven history of overcoming complex business challenges and making high stake decisions using experience-based judgment, a strong work ethic, and impeccable integrity. He understands the value of human capital and leverages this by mentoring talented professionals to lead by example and model the Verizon credo.


 


Currently, as Vice President of Engineering for the West Territory, Phillip is responsible for the design, implementation, and densification of the fiber optic network, along with the 5G and 4G wireless networks. This includes transport, real estate, construction, equipment evolution, program management, budget management, planning, as well as switch and data engineering of the network across 28 states. Under his leadership, the West reclaimed Root Metrics’ dominance and has positioned itself to evolve into an expansive 5G Network. Prior to this role, Phillip was responsible for the Engineering, Operations, RF Design and System Performance of the Pacific Market, which covered 5 states on the West coast.


 


Other positions Phillip has held during his career at Verizon include Executive Director of Engineering, Executive Director of Planning, Director of NSS Tools, Director of Engineering, and Director of Operations. Phillip is passionate about giving back to the community and frequently hosts volunteer events with his team. He also serves as a mentor to military veterans who are transitioning to civilian jobs, employees within Verizon, as well as many professionals in the industry. Phillip is also a veteran of the United States Navy. His diverse military and corporate background resonates well with his team and has played a significant role in his ability to lead effectively throughout his career.